Students will learn to work with youth representing every race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, to design and administer effective youth programs, and to advocate for youth issues and pro-youth policies. Taken entirely online, these youth development graduate programs are flexibly structured to fit the needs of working professionals.
Why study Youth Development through IDEA?
The Youth Development curriculum has its roots in Positive Youth Development. Rather than focusing solely on corrective measures, a Positive Youth Development approach equips young people in the second decade of life with the skills and opportunities necessary for a successful transition into adulthood. This approach promotes positive outcomes for all youth by recognizing their strengths, fostering positive relationships, and providing youth with opportunities to learn, lead, connect, and serve.
Listen to Melissa Herzog, an instructor at the University of Missouri, explain how the youth development graduate program is flexible and individualistic.
Program Formats in Youth Development
Catering to the unique needs of students, IDEA offers a master's degree and two graduate certificates in the youth development program. This allows students the flexibility to select the program format that best fits their academic and professional goals.
There is no GRE requirement for application to this program.
"When I began researching graduate programs, I was interested in a program that would strengthen my foundational knowledge of child and adolescent development and help me better advocate for the needs of children and youth. The youth development program has complemented the child life profession so well. Every course I have taken through the IDEA has positively impacted my current practice as a child life specialist. I found myself using course topics and readings to educate my colleagues and peers and applying the knowledge I gained in interactions with patients and families."
Stephanie Barta, graduate of the youth development master's degree program
Master's Degree in Youth Development
The online youth development master's degree has a 36-credit hour curriculum consisting of 27 credit hours in the core courses that provide the skills you need to interact effectively and positively with youth to promote supportive relationships, long-term youth engagement, and youth leadership opportunities.
Students round out their youth development degree by completing eight (9) credit hours in a culminating experience which may include creative components, directed studies, practica, research projects, comprehensive exams, and/or theses. Students work closely with their academic advisor to develop a course sequence that meets academic and professional needs.
Youth Development Specialist Graduate Certificate
This online graduate certificate provides ultimate flexibility with two (2) core courses, Foundations of Youth Development and Youth Development, and two (2) elective courses. The 12-credit hour curriculum can be completed in as little as 12 months. It's an excellent option for those seeking to learn more about working with youth and the approach of Positive Youth Development.
Youth Program Management & Evaluation Graduate Certificate
This online graduate certificate is a 12-credit hour curriculum to help students design programs that give youth opportunities to learn, lead, connect, and serve.
Listen as Yuya Kiuchi, instructor in the youth development program, explains why the certificate can be valuable.
Program Outcomes in Youth Development
When youth professionals take part in higher education and ongoing learning, research shows that youth program quality improves. You will learn to use more effective practices and feel more confident about your work, all of which will benefit youth.
In this program you will:
- Use the Positive Youth Development approach in all interactions with youth to promote supportive relationships, youth engagement, and youth leadership.
- Understand developmental processes and contexts that influence youth.
- Apply research, theory, and evidence-based practice to support positive outcomes for youth.
- Promote inclusivity in practice with youth.
- Develop, manage, evaluate, and sustain Positive Youth Development programs (e.g., funding proposals, program design, policy/advocacy efforts, etc).
"It is incredibly refreshing to see major universities working together in order to offer such high-quality degree programs and experiences for their students all while keeping tuition rates affordable. I had a roughly 10-year gap between finishing my bachelor’s degree and starting my master’s program. I have found all of the faculty at the different universities extremely welcoming and encouraging, which has made my return to school so much smoother."
Shaun Libby, youth development master's degree student
Youth development professionals with a master’s degree are qualified to work in a wide variety of settings, both in direct practice and in program management. A master’s degree is often required for professional youth work and can be an important step for advancing in your career.
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Experienced Faculty Committed to Student Success
Faculty in the youth development graduate programs are here to help. You will have an academic advisor at your home university, with technical support from a campus coordinator. The faculty instructors in the youth development program work collaboratively across the seven partner universities, providing you access to a lot of knowledge and experiences, and ensuring success every step of the way.
In this video, Michigan State University instructor Fransisco Villarruel explains the unique commitment faculty have to the youth development graduate programs and its students.
